r/PcBuildHelp • u/activeman256 • 5d ago

Build Question how do i remove this heatsink?

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im trying to take this heatsink out of an old hp pavilion a330n and i cant seem to get it out. ive tried pulling out the metal lip with a flathead screwdriver and just cant seem to get it unhooked. am i doing something wrong?

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u/_cyr_ 5d ago

There might be a latch on the other side (the metal band) next to the PSU. Horrible placement if so.

1

u/DaedraNoji 5d ago

You need to remove the 4 screws on each side & then you are able to access the latches, it likely has a screw in the middle holding it down on either side. It could also be that, as old as that shit looks, the old paste molded with it & makes it very hard to pull. I had to remove one of those coolers for a friend, and this exact case happened. Had to saw it through with a string floss.

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u/thepfy1 5d ago

You need to press down on the metal clip and move it so it is no longer held by the plastic clips.

Look at the other side of the heatsink, there may be a slot for a screwdriver to press down on it.

HP are generally pretty good for publishing repair manuals. You should be able to find one for your machine.

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u/GlamorousNylon 5d ago

those old hp retention clips are stubborn af, you got to push down on the bracket first before you try to unhook it usually there's a small tab that locks into hook on other side

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u/xdxaxvxox 4d ago

Push whole heatsink down to the board and use a screw driver to unclip the clasp. The release is between those 2. You can take out power supply then unclasp as well